Rheumatoid Lung DiseaseSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Learn About Rheumatoid Lung Disease
Rheumatoid lung disease is a group of lung problems related to rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The condition can include:
- Blockage of the small airways (bronchiolitis obliterans)
- Fluid in the chest (pleural effusions)
- High blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension)
- Lumps in the lungs (nodules)
- Scarring (pulmonary fibrosis)
Lung disease - rheumatoid arthritis; Rheumatoid nodules; Rheumatoid lung
Lung problems are common in people with RA. They often cause no symptoms, but for some people they are the main symptom of their RA.
The cause of lung disease associated with RA is unknown. Sometimes, the medicines used to treat RA, especially methotrexate, may result in lung disease.
Symptoms may include any of the following:
- Chest pain
- Cough
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling
- Skin nodules
Many people with this condition have no symptoms. Treatment is usually aimed at the RA causing the lung problem and the complications caused by the disorder. Corticosteroids or other medicines that suppress the immune system are sometimes useful.
There is emerging evidence that pirfenidone and nintedanib may work for people with fibrosis due to rheumatoid lung disease.
Internal Medicine Specialties At Durham Outpatient Center
Bryant England is a Rheumatologist practicing medicine in Omaha, Nebraska. He has been practicing medicine for over 14 years. Dr. England is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Rheumatoid Lung Disease. He is also highly rated in 6 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Rheumatoid Lung Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Arthritis, and Gout.
Westroads Clinic
Ted Mikuls is a Rheumatologist practicing medicine in Omaha, Nebraska. He has been practicing medicine for over 25 years. Dr. Mikuls is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Rheumatoid Lung Disease. He is also highly rated in 6 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Arthritis, Rheumatoid Lung Disease, Knee Replacement, and Hip Replacement.
Brigham And Women's Hospital, Orthopaedic And Arthritis Center
Jeffrey Sparks is a Rheumatologist practicing medicine in Boston, Massachusetts. Dr. Sparks is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Rheumatoid Lung Disease. He is also highly rated in 17 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Rheumatoid Lung Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Arthritis, and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Dr. Sparks is board certified in Rheumatology.
The outcome is related to the underlying disorder and the type and severity of lung disease. In severe cases, lung transplantation can be considered. This is more common in cases of bronchiolitis obliterans, pulmonary fibrosis, or pulmonary hypertension.
Rheumatoid lung disease may lead to:
- Collapsed lung (pneumothorax)
- Pulmonary hypertension
Contact your provider right away if you have rheumatoid arthritis and you develop unexplained breathing difficulties or worsening of baseline breathing difficulties.
Summary: This study aims to characterize the epidemiology of interstitial lung diseases (ILD) associated to connective tissue disease (CTD) in Mexico, and to study its correlation with the different comorbidities and treatments used, as well as the possible impacts of these factors on the outcome of progression, exacerbations, and mortality in patients with ILD associated to CTD.
Summary: The overall goal of this study is to define the phenotype of Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD), and identify factors that predict radiologic progression in those with subclinical RA-ILD, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The investigators hypothesize that there are common core elements (e.g. clinical features, genetic variants, and/or biologic markers) between other forms of ILD (e.g. idio...
Published Date: April 10, 2025
Published By: Allen J. Blaivas, DO, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, VA New Jersey Health Care System, Clinical Assistant Professor, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, East Orange, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Corte TJ, Wells AU. Connective tissue diseases. In: Broaddus VC, Ernst JD, King TE, et al, eds. Murray & Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 92.
Johnson SR, Bernstein EJ, Bolster MB, et al. 2023 American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) guideline for the treatment of interstitial lung disease in people with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2024;76(8):1051-1069. PMID: 38973731 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38973731/.
Raghu G, Martinez FJ. Interstitial lung disease. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 80.